ArtistInfo

Bruce Smith
Bright Ideas

Album US 1987 on Sancia Records label
Jazz (Jazz-Funk, Jazz-Rock, Contemporary Jazz)

The Bruce Smith Jazz Ensemble anchored by Bruce Smith (Drums) and Guillermo Cruz (Congas and Bongos), brings us exciting contemporary jazz. Based on solid tradition, this highly rhythmic group, illuminates the horizon with varied musical textures, and creates many Bright Ideas. This group of NYC musicians synthesize their vast experiences (Gil Evans Orchestra, Montego Joe, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Defunct, Jaki Byard) and create"...immense power and at times a quiet mystery that was enthralling." - Jim Theobald, WBAI-FM, NY. Zuri, with its driving Afro rhythm, starts with Jerry Vejmola's compelling tenor solo and finishes with melvin Gibb's uniquely rich electric bass. Getting funkier for Bright Ideas, drums are featured; percussion is added (bongos, shekere, agogo bell); and Martin Aubert tops things off with an electrifying guitar solo. The original "rockin" feel in Euroma, featuring soprano sax, has a fluidity that only musicians of this calibre can produce. In Duality we are treated to a full scale, high energy, percussion duet. The Villager Downtown NYC on Guillermo Cruz: "...strength and physical nature guided by a sensitive mind," and Bruce Smith "...listening to Smith play a solo, it is possible to imagine two or three drummers playing....." Unison, starting with an introduction of short exchanges, "swings" us home to a satisfying finish. The Bruce Smith Jazz Ensemble's Bright Ideas shines through bright and clear. Recorded & Mixed at Electro-Nova Studio, NYC, May 1987 Sancia Records, 55 Bethune St., N.Y.C. (P) 1987 Sancia Records. All rights reserved.

Musicians

	Bruce Smith perc, bvoc, drums, percussion, album by
	Guillermo Cruz bells, bongos, congas, shekere
	Melvin Gibbs b, eb, US electric bass
	Martin Aubert man, g, electric guitar
	Jerry Vejmola sax, cl, ts, fl, soprano saxophone

Producers

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